How to Pick a Haircut Men: Match Style to Face Shape

Picking the right men's haircut can feel like a major decision. A great cut can boost your confidence, while the wrong one can leave you counting the days until it grows out. The process of how to pick a haircut men feel good about involves more than just pointing at a picture; it's about understanding what works for you.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We will cover identifying your face shape, considering your hair type, and matching a style to your life. With this information, you can confidently choose a men's hairstyle that truly fits. Do you need a haircut in Montgomery County? Set up an appointment with Ox The Barber. 

Understanding Your Face Shape

The first step in finding the perfect haircut is knowing your face shape. Your facial structure provides the canvas, and the right cut acts as the frame. Different hairstyles can highlight your best facial features or create balance where needed.

How to Find Your Face Shape

Figuring out your shape is simple. Stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and trace the outline of your face onto the glass with a dry-erase marker. The resulting outline will likely match one of the common male face shapes. For a more precise method, grab a flexible tape measure. Write down the measurements of your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and the total face length from your hairline to your chin. Comparing these numbers will give you a clear answer.

Haircuts for an Oval Face Shape

An oval face shape is considered quite versatile because of its balanced proportions. The face length is slightly longer than the width of the cheekbones, and the forehead is a bit wider than the jawline. The jaw itself is gently rounded. Because of this natural balance, most men's haircuts will work well. You can experiment with a classic short style, a modern slicked-back undercut, or even a medium-length swept look. The key is to keep the hair off your forehead to maintain the symmetrical look your oval face benefits from.

Haircuts for a Square Face Shape

The square face shape is defined by its strong, angular features. You'll notice a wide jawline, a broad forehead, and pronounced cheekbones. The face's width and length are very similar, creating a masculine, chiseled appearance with sharp angles. Hairstyles for square faces should aim to soften these strong features. Classic cuts with some height, like a crew cut or a French crop, work well. Softer, textured styles and even a classic buzz cut can complement the square shape without adding harshness. A high fade with some length on top can also look great. The goal is to balance the strong jawline, not hide it. Adding a little volume up top helps lengthen the face's appearance.

Haircuts for a Round Face Shape 

A round face has similar width and length, but with softer, less defined angles than a square face. The cheekbones are typically the widest part, and the jawline is soft and rounded. The main objective for a men's haircut is to add height and definition. You want to create the illusion of a more angular structure. Hairstyles with volume and height on top are excellent choices, such as a pompadour or a quiff. Keeping the sides short with a high fade or tight sides helps add structure and draws attention upward. A textured fringe can also break up the roundness. These styles add length and angles, helping to balance face proportions. Avoid overly long hair or cuts that add width at the sides.

Haircuts for a Diamond Face Shape

The diamond face shape is less common but very distinct. It features wide, high cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin. The main challenge is to find a haircut that softens the cheekbones while adding perceived width to the forehead and chin area. Hairstyles with some length, particularly those that can be styled into a textured fringe, are ideal. Medium-length swept styles and side parts can add volume where needed, especially around the forehead. It is best to avoid styles with very short sides, as this can make the cheekbones appear wider.

Haircuts for Heart-Shaped Faces

Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and gradually narrow down to the chin. This shape can benefit from hairstyles that add bulk to the lower part of the face. Volume and length are your best friends. Medium-length hair that can be styled with texture works well to balance the wider forehead. Longer, side-swept fringes are also great for forehead softens features. Pairing your haircut with facial hair, such as a short beard or the perfect beard, can help fill out the narrower chin and jawline.

Haircuts for a Triangle Face Shape

The triangle face shape features a prominent jawline that is wider than the forehead. It's the reverse of the heart shape. The goal here is to add width and volume to the top of your head to balance your triangular jawline. A hairstyle that adds volume on top is a great choice. A textured crop or a longer fringe can create the illusion of a wider forehead. A medium length cut with layers can also add the necessary fullness to the upper part of your face.

Haircuts for a Rectangle/Oblong Face Shape

A long face, also known as a rectangle or oblong face shape, is longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width. For this rectangular face, the goal is to choose a men's haircut that does not add more height. Avoid styles that are very short on the sides with significant volume on top, like a tall pompadour. Instead, opt for a well-proportioned style that is not overly long on top. A classic side part, a scissor cut with moderate length, or a fringe styled forward can create a more balanced look.

Consider Your Hair Type

Your natural hair type is another major factor in selecting a hairstyle. Working with your hair's texture, rather than against it, makes daily styling much easier. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, thick, or thin will determine which styles suit you best.

If you have fine or thinning hair, you might be dealing with hair loss. A shorter style like a buzz cut, crew cut, or textured crop creates the appearance of thickness. These cuts draw attention away from thinning areas and are easy to manage. For men with thick hair, you have more options but may need to focus on removing bulk. Styles like a slicked-back undercut or a high fade with length on top can manage the weight. Wavy and curly hair looks great with medium-length styles that allow the texture to show.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Your daily routine has a huge impact on which haircut is practical for you. Be realistic about the amount of time you are willing to spend on styling each day. A low-maintenance cut is ideal for a busy lifestyle. If you work in a professional setting, a classic short haircut or a neat side part offers a polished look. For those with more active lives, a simple crew cut or buzz cut requires almost no styling. If you enjoy the process of men's grooming, a more complex style that requires products and effort could be a great fit.

Consider Your Personal Style & Facial Hair

Your haircut is an extension of your personal style. It should feel authentic to who you are and complement your wardrobe. A haircut that matches your vibe will make you feel more confident.

Consider how facial hair can complete your look. A well-groomed short beard can add structure to a round or heart-shaped face. For a square face, a clean shave or very light stubble often works best to show off the strong jawline.

Look for Inspiration

Before heading to the barber, gather some inspiration. Look at photos of men who have a similar face shape and hair type to yours. This will give you a realistic idea of what a particular style might look like on you. Save a few pictures of men's haircuts you like. Having visual aids helps you communicate exactly what you want to your barber. It is a much more effective approach than just describing a style from memory.

Talk to Your Barber

Your barber is a valuable resource in your search for the perfect haircut. They have the experience to assess your face shape and hair type and recommend styles that will work. Open communication is essential for getting a great result. Show them your inspiration photos and explain what you like about them. Ask for their professional opinion and be open to their suggestions. A good barber will offer styling tips and product recommendations to help you maintain the look at home.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Hair always grows back, so do not hesitate to try something new. If you have had the same haircut for years, a change could be refreshing. Experimenting is how you discover new looks that might suit you even better. If you are nervous about a big change, start small. You could try a slightly shorter version of your current cut or ask for a scissor cut, which often allows for more subtle changes than clippers. This helps you ease into a new style.

Maintain Your New Style

Finding a great men's haircut is only half the battle; maintenance is just as important. To keep your style looking its best, you will need regular trims. Ask your barber how often you should return to keep the shape clean. Proper hair products are also essential. For a textured crop, a matte clay or wax adds definition. For a slicked-back undercut, you might need a stronger pomade with some shine.

Popular Men's Haircuts to Consider

With a better understanding of your features and hair, you can explore some popular styles. Many modern cuts are variations of timeless classics, adapted for different male face shapes and hair types. 

Here are a few to think about: 

Conclusion

Figuring out how to pick a haircut men feel great in is a personal process. It begins with understanding your unique features, from your face shape to your hair type. Combining that knowledge with your lifestyle and personal style will lead you to the right choice.

Do not hesitate to consult your barber, as their expertise can guide you to a style that highlights your best attributes. A great haircut near Fort Washington is about more than just aesthetics; it's about the confidence that comes with it. By following these guidelines, you are ready to find a men's haircut that truly represents you.